A Closer Look at our Camino Leather

A lot has changed at Nomad over the years, but one thing has stayed the same: our draw to leather. We’ve spent years studying the material, learning how it looks and feels, how it responds to daily wear, and what separates exceptional leather from the rest.

Just as importantly, we’ve listened closely to you, our incredible customers. While many of you love the rich character and rapid patina of our staple Horween leather, we began hearing a consistent request for something a little more livable. A leather that still felt authentic, but was a bit more forgiving in everyday use.

That feedback led us to partner with Danish tannery Ecco to develop our own custom full-grain leather. The result is Camino, formerly Ecco, a leather designed to be a little more resilient while keeping the genuine character you all love. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Camino leather: what it is, how it’s made, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.

Based in Denmark, Ecco is widely admired throughout the leather industry for its modern approach to tanning. While many traditional tanneries rely on methods that have remained unchanged for decades, Ecco has built its reputation on combining craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing techniques that allow for exceptional consistency and innovation.

Just as important to us are the values behind their work. Ecco has invested heavily in reducing water consumption, improving energy efficiency, and maintaining traceability in their supply chain. These efforts align closely with our own commitments to sustainability (more on that here). 

When we partnered with Ecco in 2021, our goal was simple: create a leather that reflected Nomad’s design philosophy while responding to customer feedback. We started by exploring Ecco’s collections, eventually selecting a hide with the natural character we were looking for. From there, we refined the color, finish, and feel until it matched exactly what we had in mind.

Camino leather is made using combination tanning, a process that blends vegetable and chrome tanning to capture the strengths of both. Vegetable tanning adds natural character and a subtle patina over time, while chrome tanning improves consistency, flexibility, and durability. The result is a supple leather with deep color and a more resilient finish.

The hides themselves are sourced from cattle in the Netherlands and processed at Ecco’s modern tanning facilities. The finished material has a subtle dimpled grain that adds visual depth while maintaining a refined look. And, like any high-quality leather, it carries that rich, authentic leather aroma. 

What makes Camino leather so unique is the balance it strikes between authenticity and everyday usability. Some leathers are beautiful but require careful handling to avoid scratches and marks. Others prioritize durability but lose the natural character that makes leather special in the first place. Camino sits right in the middle.

It still feels unmistakably like real leather. Natural grain patterns give each piece its own character, and it will continue to age with time. At the same time, it’s designed to be more forgiving in daily life. You can slip your phone into a pocket with your keys, carry it through a full workday, or take it along on a weekend trip without worrying about every bump along the way.

Because of that balance, Camino leather is ideal for people who love the look and feel of genuine leather but want something that fits naturally into an active lifestyle.

We’re proud to offer Camino leather alongside Horween. Each has its own character and strengths, so the choice comes down to how you plan to use it day to day and how you want your leather to age. Compare them side by side here.

We’ve compiled all our Camino gear in one place for you to easily explore the entire collection. From leather cases to wallets, we hope you find something you love (and know the story behind it!).